|
|
|
Wrap It Up Gift Shop Holds Grand Opening - (November 18, 2004) |
|
|
| Ribbons Swirl at Wrap It Up! with the Mayor |
BERLIN, CONNECTICUT, --Ribbons will be flying on Tuesday, November 23rd from 6-8 PM at Wrap It Up! Gift Shop in Berlin/Kensington, Connecticut. Mayor Adam Salina and Chris Sparmer, a new "mom-preneur," will cut the ribbon on the shop’s bright red porch surrounded by painted swirling ribbons.
Chris’ husband Randy Sparmer renovated the old house and insisted on creating a porch for nonshoppers, so they can read the paper while others shop. Each room is painted in bright paint box colors with silver metallic trim. Hundreds of unique gifts fill the rooms of the shop--from Dolly Mamas and fancy lamps to handmade baby blankets and angels.
With only 48 hours left until the biggest shopping day of the year, Wrap It Up will help shoppers escape the madness by enjoying a cup of coffee on the porch while gifts are wrapped.
“I’m delighted that Chris has chosen to locate her business on Farmington Avenue. Wrap It Up! will be a great addition to the retail shopping district and she and her husband Randy have done an outstanding job renovating the building for retail use,” commented Mayor Adam Salina.
"I’ve always dreamt about creating a gift shop, but never had the guts to do it. As a Berlin mom, with two little girls, the store is a chance to turn my world upside-down and make a major career change after 16 plus years in corporate America. Maybe it’s because I’m turning the big 4 O next month, but I have a purple office! How many people have a purple office?" Sparmer said with a smile.
Wrap It Up was created with a ton of volunteer help from the Sparmers’ family and friends. "If they weren’t singing or coloring with our girls at home, they were painting or mixing cement at the shop. How many people have family and friends who would leave happy hour on a Friday night to help lift bricks?" said Sparmer. "We are so grateful for their support and help, especially our parents who have put a lot of ‘sweat’ into the shop. Three of our parents thought they were retired--not anymore!"
Sparmer said officials from town hall and the Chamber of Commerce have been terrific to work with on the opening process.
Many attendees at the ribbon cutting reception are expected to offer baby gift donations to support Wrap It Up’s effort to help families in need at the St. Agnes Family Center. For more information on how to help support this cause or for details about upcoming events at Wrap It Up, log onto www.wrapitupgiftshop.com:
Everyone is invited to drop off any, new unwrapped gift for a baby 0-18 months or a new mom to help families in need. All donations benefit St. Agnes Family Center.
Sit with Santa on our outside porch: Saturday, December 4th from 12-3 PM. Bring your own camera--no charge to see Santa. Please dress in warm clothes.
Personalization Party: Wrap It Up will personalize any gift you purchase at the store with a paint pen on Thursday, December 16 from 4-7 PM. The surface must accept paint.
|
CONTACTS:
Chris Sparmer, Owner, Wrap It Up! Gift Shop, 860.558.9176 (cell)
Jim Mahoney: Economic Development Director , Town Of Berlin, 860.828.7005
|
|
|
